SXSW 2013 Panelist: Rob Campanell

SXSW Music 2013 will feature hundreds of the music industry’s most influential and notable figures, discussing the most important issues in the business. This is your chance to meet some of our esteemed panelists!

Here’s a quick interview with 2013 Music panelist Rob Campanell, Co-Founder of Blastro Networks, a veteran of South by Southwest. Be sure to check out his panel, Asia’s Seeping Influence Into Western Music this March!

Number of times you’ve attended SXSW:
A lot

What are you most looking forward to at SXSW:
Checking out the international artists showcases and meeting new people in the industry.

Briefly, what is your panel about, and why should we go to your panel?
When you see that pudgy Korean rapper doing his horsey dance in “Gangnam Style” and the entire world loving it. You may have asked yourself “How could this have happened?” Our panel, “Asia’s seeping influence into Western music” will try to sort it all out and explain it.

What’s the most important issue in music today?
Music industry has hit the reset button. Artists and music companies need to build and manage a global fan base.

What was your first job in the music industry?
Self-produced a techno music video and computer animation show called “Cyberia” on U Network, a national network of college television stations, in the early 1990s. I have been working in music video ever since.

Any tips for first-time attendees?
1) Focus on simple goals, such as “I want to see four Canadian acts”. This allows you accomplish something, and gives you some time to explore new music. 2) Followup with your new contacts within two weeks.